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Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)

Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)

18 Views
15 Days From

$3835

Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (Windhoek to Victoria Falls)

15 Days

Visiting: Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, Rundu, Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

671

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3835

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

On this 15-day family adventure through Namibia, Botswana and finishing in Zimbabwe, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, we start by heading to the Skeleton Coast, before heading east all the way to Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe.

Your starting point on the Namibia leg of this trip is the capital city of Windhoek and from here we'll head to Sessrium National Park and to Sossusvlei to where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45. Our next highlight is Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia where thrilling activities, such as skydiving, sandboarding and scenic flights above the stark landscape of the mountainous dunes are available. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast we'll visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Ozohere Himba Village before heading inland, to one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, Etosha National Park. After meeting local tribes, exploring Namibia's capital, Windhoek, and getting to see wild elephants, zebras, and hippos, our final stop before the Okavango will be Rundu, perched on the Angolan border.

The Okavango is teaming with plant, bird and animal life and is the largest inland delta on the entire planet. Its unique positioning makes it ideal for supporting hundreds of species of wild birds and impressive land mammals such as lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. The Delta splits into thousands of smaller waterways, forming swamps, lagoons and small islands that we give you a chance to explore on and off the water. There are several optional safaris from our camp into the Delta both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles.

Coming to the end of our trip, we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population, before finishing at the stunning Victoria Falls.

This overland family adventure safari holiday allows you to experience the diversity and uniqueness of the different regional cultures, discover the abundance of wildlife, and get your adrenaline flowing with exciting optional activities. Accommodation is a mix of hotels/lodges, permanent camps, and in simple tents next to our truck. Travel is on a specialist expedition vehicle with an experienced tour leader and driver on board.

Discounted prices are available for children aged from 6 to 15.

Highlights

  • Windhoek, Kalahari Desert, Sossusvlei & Dune 45, Swakopmund, Cape Cross Seal Colony, Ozohere Himba Village, Etosha National Park, Rundu living museum, Ngepi, Okavango Delta, Chobe river cruise, Victoria Falls

Places You'll See

Okavango Delta

Chobe National Park

Etosha National Park

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Windhoek. Transfer To Hotel

Location: Windhoek

When you arrive, our staff will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to kick off your trip. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and get settled in. Later, at 6 PM, we’ll hold a pre-trip meeting where you’ll meet our crew and get acquainted with the overland expedition vehicle that will be your home for the next two weeks.
No meals included today

Day 2: Travel To Sesriem And The Namib Naukluft National Park

Gareth Rhys
Aicha Dalsheimer

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park

After breakfast, we’ll head south to Namib-Naukluft National Park. The drive will take us through breathtaking desert and mountain scenery, making it hard to focus on the road! That evening, we’ll camp in a beautiful spot near the Sossusvlei dunes, inside the park, which is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the planet’s largest salt pans.
Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch and dinner eaten at the truck.

Day 3: Dune 45: 4X4 To Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Jean Francois Badoc
Uwe Affeldt
fotowelt-heise de

Location: Sossusvlei

This morning, we’ll have the chance to climb the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei, one of Namibia’s top attractions and a highlight on many tourist posters. Kids can compete with their parents to reach the summit, where breathtaking views of an endless ‘world of sand’ await, extending all the way to the Atlantic, 50 miles away. The kids can then enjoy a thrilling slide back down, a favorite activity, especially since breakfast awaits them at the bottom.
Breakfast and lunch eaten at the truck. Group meal included this evening.

Day 4: Namib Nakluft Desert Walk: To Swakopmund

Wesley Rosenblum
Olivier Armani

Location: Swakopmund

This morning, accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll explore the Namib Desert and gain fascinating insights into its wildlife. It’s not just about the Big 5; there are also the Little 5 to discover! We’ll encounter some of the smaller inhabitants of this unique ecosystem and learn how they’ve adapted to thrive in the desert. Who knows, we might even spot the beetle that performs a headstand each morning to collect fog on its back, which then trickles down to its mouth!
Later we drive north-west to the Atlantic coast and the town of Swakopmund where we will settle into our accommodation and then enjoy a group meal out in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck, group dinner

Day 5: Swakopmund: Free Time

Wesley Rosenblum
Olivier Armani

Location: Swakopmund

Swakopmund is Namibia's favourite holiday destination and its adventure capital. With a wide range of family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping activities, along with beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. This coastal resort offers a refreshing change from the land-based wildlife experiences you’ll have in Namibia. Families can enjoy a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, flamingos, and even whales near Walvis Bay, or kayak alongside playful seals at Pelican Point. Older kids will love sandboarding, fat biking, or embarking on 4x4 and quad biking adventures in the nearby dunes. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the town is filled with cafes, art galleries, and museums to explore. You’ll have plenty of free time to choose from a variety of optional activities.
Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner and activities at your expense

Day 6: Swakopmund: Free Time

Wesley Rosenblum
Olivier Armani

Location: Swakopmund

You have the whole day free here to participate in optional activities of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner & activities at your own expense.

Day 7: Skeleton Coast Shipwrecks & Cape Cross Seal Colony

Location: Skeleton Coast

As we leave Swakopmund, our adventure takes us north along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, a nature reserve famous for hosting one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. This site also marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot in Namibia in 1486. Kids can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, observing the fascinating interactions of the seals from a wide walkway, safely separated from them by a low wall. As they stroll through the colony, they’ll have the chance to discover intriguing facts about seal life at various information points, and even look up at a modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.
Continuing inland, we’ll head to our overnight camp, a small family-run site in the heart of the Namibian desert. This camp supports the local Himba community and helps provide schooling for their children. While we’re there, there is an optional tour to meet some local tribe members and learn more about their culture, traditions, and way of life in the bush.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck.

Day 8: Drive To Etosha Np. Evening Game Drive

Nrupesh Soni
Peter Schmid
András Szőllősy

Location: Etosha National Park

If you’ve loved the desert scenery and wildlife so far, it’s time for a classic safari as we head north to the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, renowned for its exceptional game-watching opportunities in Africa. We’ll arrive in Etosha by the afternoon, and that evening, we’ll embark on our first game drive. Later, we’ll have the chance to observe wildlife visiting a nearby floodlit waterhole.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.

Day 9: Etosha National Park

Nrupesh Soni
Peter Schmid
András Szőllősy

Location: Etosha National Park

Many safari enthusiasts regard Etosha as one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Covering 8,600 square miles, it features a vast salt pan that is four times the size of Los Angeles and is even visible from the moon! The park is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ (elephants, rhinos, lions, and leopards). As Namibia’s top wildlife attraction, there’s no better way to experience it than from the comfort of a truck, stopping as needed at various watering holes. Kids will love playing the role of David Attenborough, spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants wandering nearby, or even lions lounging by the roadside. With 114 different animal species and over 300 bird species, there will be plenty to keep the kids engaged as animal spotters. We’ll turn off the engine when needed to soak in the sight of herds of zebras, impalas, and more gathered around the watering holes. During the dry season (May to October), these areas host an incredible number of animals, making August the ideal time for a family safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.

Day 10: Head To Rundu: Views Of Angolan Flood Plains And Boat Trip

Location: Rundu

After spending a couple of days in Etosha, we’ll set off north again after breakfast, heading toward the remote northwest of Namibia to the southern banks of the Okavango River, which borders Angola. Rundu, the administrative capital, is a vibrant town that offers a fascinating glimpse into a thriving African community, where we can stock up on supplies. Once we’ve settled into our overnight camp, we’ll embark on a cruise along the Kavango floodplain, where we can enjoy a stunning sunset while observing the local birdlife and wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.

Day 11: Mbunza Living Museum. Travel To Ngepi On The Okavango

Location: Caprivi Strip

An optional visit is available this morning to the Mbunza Living Museum. As a community initiative for the local people of the Kavango, this sustainable project allows them to preserve their traditional culture while generating additional income. A key component of the interactive program at the Living Museum is the demonstration and preservation of the fishing and agricultural practices of the Mbunza people. The traditional presentations cover various aspects of daily life, including cooking, fire-making, basket and mat weaving, as well as bushwalks and fishing. They also delve into specialized skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, and drum-making. Like all Living Museums in Namibia, the Mbunza Living Museum aims to provide visitors with an authentic and in-depth look at traditional, pre-colonial culture, which particularly appeals to younger travelers.
From there, we’ll head to the Caprivi Strip, often referred to as Namibia’s answer to the Okavango Delta. This region offers an incredible water-based safari experience. Nestled between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, near the tip of Zimbabwe, it is surrounded by five perennial rivers—Chobe, Kwando, Linvanti, Okavango, and Zambezi—making it a sanctuary for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo. Birdwatching here is exceptional, with an impressive 660 different species recorded. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, including game viewing by boat, sunset cruises, and canoeing adventures, all of which provide a wonderful way to relax and reconnect. The Caprivi Strip serves as a gateway to our next adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today

Day 12: Free Day On The Okavango (Optional Activities)

Arefin Gaming
Oriol R
kashweka lemmy
Allan Kaitila

Location: Okavango Delta

You have a free day today on the Okavango River, with a wide variety of optional activities to choose from.
One option is a Mokoro cruise, where local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways in traditional dugout canoes. This offers a unique experience and a fantastic perspective of the surroundings from a hippo's eye view.
Additionally, there are various other optional safaris, including game walks and game drives with expert guides, providing the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, and hippos up close.
The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland waterways in the world, and its tranquil beauty will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck

Day 13: Chobe National Park: Evening Boat Safari

brucedennill
travel.maddy
travel.maddy

Location: Chobe National Park

As we leave Namibia, our journey takes us across the border into Botswana, heading to the Kasane region along the Chobe River. Chobe is renowned for its large populations of elephants and buffalo, which often gather in astonishing numbers. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, these gentle giants are constantly nearby. We’ll be there during the dry season, when thousands of them line the riverbanks and cross the water towards our campsite, offering the kids an unforgettable chance to see them up close and create lifelong memories. Our evening river cruise provides excellent photo opportunities and is sure to keep everyone captivated, making it a delightful way to watch the sun set over the horizon.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck today. Dinner at own expense

Day 14: Optional Safari: Head To Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

This morning, you have the option for a final game drive into Chobe National Park (not included). Today’s journey will take us across the border into Zimbabwe, leading us to our final destination: Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and statistically the largest waterfall on the planet. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders” in the local Tonga language, Victoria Falls boasts the largest single curtain of falling water in the world, with 70% of its breathtaking views visible from the Zimbabwe rainforest. The impressive roar of the falls can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. At its peak, about 150 million gallons of water cascade over the falls every minute—an unfathomable amount. To put this into perspective, a standard bathtub holds 40 gallons, so 1 million gallons would equal 25,000 bathtubs. This means that the staggering 150 million gallons equates to 3.75 million bathtubs worth of water thundering over the falls each minute. That’s an incredible volume!
The rainforest surrounding the falls experiences constant rain from the endless spray, creating a unique ecosystem that is a botanist’s dream and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some species found here are not found anywhere else, and families are encouraged to venture a little beyond the 2-kilometer path and various viewpoints to spot them. One of the remarkable aspects of the falls is that the area remains largely uncommercialized. In fact, when standing by the falls, your view would be quite similar to what David Livingstone saw when he first encountered them in 1855. After our visit to the falls, our journey comes to an end (for now, at least!)—a truly unforgettable experience to cap off the trip.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.

Day 15: Victoria Falls Free Time And Departure

Location: Victoria Falls

You have the entire day to explore this natural wonder at your own pace before your departure flight. A variety of optional adventure activities are available, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and evening horseback riding. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can visit the local craft markets and coffee shops. An airport transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport is included, and you can also add extra nights here if you wish.
Breakfast at the truck today

What's Included

What's Not Included

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with all transport provided on our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck, including airport transfers upon arrival in Windhoek and departure from Victoria Falls. Enjoy the convenience of organized travel throughout your journey.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with approximately 50% of your stay in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and 50% in basic camping. Enjoy the unique opportunity to connect with nature while having access to essential amenities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can we expect during the tour?

    The tour includes a mix of accommodation types, with approximately 50% of the nights spent in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and the other 50% in basic camping setups.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Approximately 80% of meals are included in the tour package. Meals are typically provided at the truck, with some group meals included at certain locations.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    Included activities are a guided desert walk at Bushman's Camp, a jeep trip to Sossusvlei, a visit to Cape Cross Seal Colony, game drives in Etosha National Park, a boat trip on the Okavango River, and a boat cruise in Chobe National Park. Entry to Victoria Falls is also included.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, various adventure activities in Swakopmund such as sandboarding and quad biking, and a final game drive in Chobe National Park. At Victoria Falls, options include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging.

  • Is there a pre-trip meeting before the tour starts?

    Yes, there is a pre-trip meeting on the first day at 6 PM where you will meet the crew and get acquainted with the overland expedition vehicle.

  • What wildlife can we expect to see during the tour?

    You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many bird species in Etosha National Park. In Chobe National Park, large populations of elephants and buffalo are common.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Victoria Falls?

    The highlight of the visit to Victoria Falls is experiencing the largest single curtain of falling water in the world, with breathtaking views and the impressive roar of the falls, which can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometers away.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$3835

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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